Spring Bay Mill

Ross Brewin (Architect), Anna Gilby (Architect), Shing Hei Ho (Architect), Nina Tory-Henderson (Architect), Marcus Ragus (Architect)

Research output: Non-textual formDesign / ArchitectureResearch

Abstract

Research Background
In 2011, Triabunna Mill, the southern hemisphere’s largest wood chipping operation, was purchased by environmentalists and shut down. The closure was followed by a significant environmental challenge posed by the infrastructure and sites of operation left behind. The deserted buildings, machinery and surrounding landscape were in a neglected and damaged state after more than four decades of continuous use.

Research Contribution
Spring Bay Mill is a masterful regeneration of a disused industrial facility into an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable centre for cultural and environment focused events. Ross Brewin and Gilby + Brewin Architecture transformed the degradation into a cultural hub boasting a 600-seat amphitheatre, event and performance spaces, hospitality venue, and boutique accommodation set amidst landscaped native gardens. The formal and material design of the accommodation building draws upon the industrial vernacular of the site’s previous structures. In response to the labour, material and economic challenges of building in a regional location many of the built elements can be unbolted and disassembled for relocating or up-cycling in the future, continuing the regenerative ethos of the project.

Research Significance
At the 2022 ArchiTeam Awards, Spring Bay Mill won the top honour, The ArchiTeam Medal, as well as the Sustainability Medal and the Commercial, Community and Public Award. The work also received multiple 2021 Tasmanian Architecture Awards including the award for Public Architecture, The Roy Sharrington Smith Award for Heritage Architecture and The Barry McNeill Award for Sustainable Architecture. At the 2022 Tasmanian Architecture Awards the project won the Sustainable Architecture Award and the Commercial Architecture Award. It won a 2022 National Architecture Award for Sustainable Architecture and was shortlisted for the Commercial Architecture category. It was also shortlisted for a 2021 Australian Interior Design Award. Highly respected industry publication Architecture Australia featured an eight-page story on the project.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationTriabunna, Tasmania, Australia
PublisherSpring Bay Mill
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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